According to the 2011 census, 65 percent of the state’s population lives in rural areas, where rural sanitation is crucial for public health. However, this aspect often gets neglected due to insufficient infrastructure and funds, lack of sustainable technology at the household or community level, inadequate operation and maintenance, and a lack of awareness among rural people. In response to these challenges, the state government of Haryana has undertaken various initiatives to address rural sanitation, particularly focusing on solid waste management.
As part of these efforts, the government has announced plans to implement solid waste management systems in villages across Haryana, similar to those in urban areas. A total of 5,866 solid waste management sheds have been sanctioned in Gram Panchayats, with 2,121 completed and 683 under construction. Additionally, 149 Gram Panchayats are utilizing old buildings/spaces for solid waste management. The government is also procuring 160 hopper tipper dumpers for door-to-door collection, transportation, segregation, and safe disposal of solid waste in rural areas.
Furthermore, the government has provided information on villages with populations exceeding 10,000, where sewerage systems have been installed. These include Sctai & Tigaon in District Faridabad, Naharpur in District Gurugram, Keorak & Par in District Kaithal, Kachhwa in District Karnal, Sewah in District Panipat, Saraswati Nagar in District Yamunanagar, Khanpur Kalan in District Sonepat, Sundhad, Deeghot & Bhidul in District Parwal. It is projected that sewerage systems will be installed in feasible villages selected under the Mahagram Yojana by December 31, 2027.
In addition, a new initiative aims to implement the aforementioned scheme in villages with populations of 7,100 people for proper waste disposal. The government has instructed Gram Panchayats to purchase hopper tipper dumpers and employ driver-cum-waste collectors to ensure cleanliness and waste management. Furthermore, solid waste management plants are being set up in these villages, and waste management sheds are being constructed in Gram Panchayats with populations of 10,000 and above.